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Chest Pain Specialist

AdvaCardio

Cardiologists located in The Woodlands, TX & Houston, TX

The cardiac experts at AdvaCardio, with offices in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort worsens and is accompanied by other troublesome symptoms, it may indicate a medical emergency for which you should call 911. Even when the symptoms go away within a few minutes, however, chest pain can be a message from your heart that all is not well. Call AdvaCardio today to make an appointment or try their online scheduling service to find out what your chest pain may mean.

Chest Pain Q & A

When is chest pain an emergency?

Chest pain that signals a heart attack varies among individuals. Some people experience squeezing pain, while others experience nausea and vomiting. Regardless of your symptoms, doctors recommend that if you might be having a heart attack, you should call 911. That’s especially true if you have a known history of heart disease.

Otherwise, symptoms that might indicate a heart attack is looming or in the process include:

  • Crushing, squeezing, or burning chest pain
  • Profuse sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort
  • Pain spreading from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or inability to stand or walk

You should also consider seeking emergency care if you have chest pain and one or more factors that increase your risk for heart disease, including:

  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Why should I see a cardiologist for chest pain?

Chest pain is often one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease. While it doesn’t always lead to a heart attack, chest pain may be your first indication that your heart is struggling. Angina pectoris is the medical term that doctors use for chest pain or discomfort that’s due to coronary heart disease. Your provider may also refer to this type of chest pain as stable angina.

What are the symptoms of stable angina?

Stable angina occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get the blood it needs to function correctly. The lack of blood flow usually occurs with exertion when one or more of your heart’s arteries has narrowed or is blocked. You may not notice any problems at rest, but your heart requires more oxygen-rich blood when you’re active. This may mean you experience angina with walking up stairs that calms again once you’re sitting down.

Other symptoms of stable angina include pain or discomfort that:

  • Occurs when the heart must work harder during physical exertion
  • Typically lasts a short time, less than five minutes
  • Decreases with rest or medication such as nitroglycerine
  • Is accompanied by shortness of breath with exertion, but it resolves at rest

An episode of stable angina can also occur with emotional distress and exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures. Even a heavy meal may lead to a bout of stable angina.